Farnham residents are getting the chance to voice their opinions on the proposed East Street development, which could see a large area of the town completely regenerated.

The plans, which would extend the town centre by creating nearly 300 residential buildings along with bars, cafes and restaurants, were presented by developers Scott Brownrigg and Waverley Borough Council on Tuesday.

A 28-day consultation period, ending on March 25, will allow residents and businesses to comment on the designs and voice any concerns they may have.

Paul Hodgston of Scott Brownrigg said: “The scheme is about regenerating the town centre and creating a sustainable community within a 12-acre site.

“It’s not just our scheme, we want the whole town to get involved in the consultation.”

"Enthusiasm"

Council chief executive Mary Orton said: “We have done a lot in the past eight months in evolving and bringing forward the scheme, and we hope the public will greet it with the same enthusiasm as council members have.”

The plans would see East Street resurfaced and pedestrianised, allowing easier access to a new town square which would lead onto a cinema, an undergound parking complex and a redeveloped Brightwell Park.

The focal point of the square will be the town’s old copper beech tree, and the developers are in talks to bring works of modern art to the area.

Mr Hodgston said another focus would be on providing energy efficient buildings and centralised recycling banks for the residential apartments.

But concerns were raised at Tuesday's presentation about the number of trees - 93 out of 105 - slated to be lost as part of the plans.